MESOPOTAMIA
Society in Mesopotamia was ordered by hierarchy. The king and nobles came first in society, then priests, scribes, merchants/artisans, commoners, and slaves. Depending on your social class, you had a different job. The King is responsible for creating the laws and served as the head of the army. After the kings, would come the priests. The influence society because they connected with God. They were even considered doctors during their time. Scribes are part of the upper class society and were well-educated. They primarily worked in the palace, some became public writers even. Their job is to record the everyday lives of the people and the events that occur. They are special because they are taught how to read and write, compared to other people in society where they are illiterate. After, merchants play a role in society where they required wealth for the growth of civilization. They are even known to invent Cuneiform to document trade deals and routes. Commoners in the Mesopotamian regions engaged in farming/agriculture life. They live a comfortable life: making pottery, fishing, etc. Lastly, the slaves. They had no rights and generally worked for higher class people. |
EGYPT
Egyptian society was divided between the Pharaohs / religious leaders at the top, writers, worriers, merchants, and farmers in the middle, and servants/slaves at the bottom. Pharaohs and other religious leaders controlled everything that happened in the civilization. They established the laws, controlled the army, and governed the people. These elite group of Egyptians often lived in large homes that were decorated with expensive and beautiful furniture. The upper class had clothing that was more decorative with lots of jewelry, makeup, perfumes, oils, and other luxurious items. Farmer, writers, worriers, and merchants/farmers were what we call the working class. The working class had smaller homes and less elaborate clothing compared to the upper class, but they were still able to live comfortable lives. Unlike many other ancient civilizations, Egypt was not a patriarchal society. Women were given almost the same opportunities, rights, and protections as men. Women could own land, run businesses, get an education, and even rule over Egypt as a Pharaoh. Although women were offered the same opportunity, their role was still to be mothers and teachers to their children once married. They cared for the house and took care of the children. This way of life and social structure was ahead of its time. |
CHINA
The China Civilizations was ranked because of the rise of Confucian and Legalism. Beneath the emperor, were the four main classes; this are the nobles and officials, peasants, artisans, and merchants. They were also practiced on the hierarchy, where men are dominant, and women were inferior. Also, when the Chinese get older they gain knowledge and wisdom, therefore, they were respected by the younger generations. |